Ethan Ryter is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Perry High School for AZPreps365.com.

Just a mere mile from each other, Perry and Basha will gather this week to renew their rivalry in the Pumas’ gym. 

Instead of hate, this rivalry centers around joy.

“It’s fun playing against them,” Perry sophomore guard Cody Williams said. “Every time we play against them it’s a good game.”

There is nothing but respect for Basha from the Perry team, each side recognizing that this game is special.

“There’s a different feel when you walk into the gym,” Perry head coach Sam Duane said.

That feel and respect for the opponent stems from the level of competition each team presents.

“Obviously it wouldn’t be much of a rivalry if they weren’t a great team,” said Williams. 

Perry knows the focus needs to be on Basha senior guards Trenton McLaughlin and Thomas Hastings. 

“Trenton can really shoot the ball. Probably one of the best shooters in the state,” senior guard Demarco Wiley said. “Thomas Hastings is a good senior guard that controls the tempo and really helps his team with setting up plays.”

Stopping those two stars are a big part of the game plan. Duane knows if the team lets Mclaughlin get into a rhythm, he “can go for 10 or 12 in a row.” Mclaughlin is averaging 21.2 points per game.

Wiley thinks the team has to key in on where McLaughlin and Hastings are on the court. They want to keep them in front of them and “try making them uncomfortable.”

While stopping those two is no easy task, Perry has already done it this season. In the first meeting between these two teams Feb. 19, Perry traveled to Basha and grabbed a 57-52 win. 

“I’m sure they’ll want to have revenge,” said Duane. “We know that it’ll be a tough game. They’ll bring their best shot.”

While it’s a familiar opponent, still without fan sections, and only a mile away from this season’s first matchup, home court is still a welcomed advantage.

“You practice every day on your floor. You're just more comfortable on your floor. So [we] definitely like being at home,” said Duane.

Perry is 4-1 at home and 7-0 away for an impressive 11-1 record on the season. Basha is 5-5 at home and 4-2 away for a 9-7 record, but is only 1-5 in conference play.

“We love to share the ball. We really don’t care who scores,” said Williams, who added that the team has improved its defense and takes pride in stopping the other team from scoring.

Wiley noted that they’ve embraced the defensive style stressed by the coaches. 

“Our entire team has really bought in on winning and the system,” said Wiley.

Duane could not help but credit the team’s defense, too. He said solid defending has kept Perry in games and forced them down to the wire. Once there, returning players and experience have helped them get across the finish line.

The Pumas will look to do it again Tuesday. Williams said after losing to their rival twice last year, winning in Basha’s house felt good. The team’s celebration and “vibe in the locker room” was one of his favorite memories so far in the rivalry.

With the ever-present fear of COVID-19 bringing the season to a screeching halt, Duane said he especially wants his team to have fun when they win this year.

A win will improve their playoff seed and secure more postseason home games, all in a quest for a possible region title and state championship.